FAA Testing for UAS Rating Begins August 29

Here is what you need to know to reserve your testing space and prepare for your test to receive your certificate, which will allow you to legally operate a small UAS (or drone) for commercial purposes.

Reserving a Testing Time

Our testing center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. That said, we do what we can to accommodate our customers and if demand is high, we will stay open beyond those hours and even offer a few Sundays.

All applicants must be 14 years of age. If you’ve taken the test and failed, you must wait 14 days before you can take the test again. No proof of additional training is required to retest after a failure.

You must bring government issued photo identification with a permanent address listed (no P.O. boxes) to take the test. We describe all the accepted types of identification for U.S. citizens, resident aliens and citizens of other countries on our FAA Testing Page.

You must pay the testing fee. The written test for the Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating costs $170 if paying by credit card, $165 if paying cash. We offer a $10.00 discount off those prices for AOPA or EAA Members.

Preparing for your Test

While no endorsements are required for your test (you don’t need a flight instructor to sign you off to take it), it’s a good idea to come prepared. The FAA has stated the test will have 60 questions and you will have two hours to complete the test. You will need to receive a 70% to pass.

Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance

Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance

Emergency procedures

Crew resource management

Radio communication procedures

Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft

Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol

Aeronautical decision-making and judgment

Airport operations

Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures

It’s important to note the FAA has stated no ground school is required to take the knowledge test and no past training or courses taken will count toward your certificate. However, the FAA does encourage self-training, online training or taking a course to become familiar with the regulations.

Whatever you choose, be sure to study or prepare before the test, as a failure of the test requires you to take it again, repaying the fee. If you do fail the test, you’re allowed to take it again 14 days after your last attempt.

For more information on how to apply for your certificate, please visit our UAS Rating page.